October 2025 Conservation Commission Action

The Missouri Conservation Commission met Oct. 2 for a closed executive session and Oct. 3 for its regular open meeting, both at MDC Headquarters, 2901 W. Truman Blvd. in Jefferson City. Commissioners attending the open meeting in person or online were:

  • Margaret F. (Margy) Eckelkamp, Chair
  • Raymond T. (Ray) Wagner Jr., Vice Chair and Secretary
  • Edward C. Clausen, Member
  • Frank H.B. Kruse, Member

PRESENTATIONS

The Commission received the following presentations/reports:

  • Director’s Comments — Jason Sumners, Director
  • Johnny Morris Institute — Rick Relyea, Johnny Morris Institute Director
  • Public comments by individuals who submitted written requests prior to the meeting
  • Deer Management Public Engagement — Jennifer Hoggatt, Public Involvement Coordinator, and Jason Isabelle, Cervid Program Supervisor
  • Financial Report / FY25 Year-End Financial Report — Andrew Bond, Deputy Director Business and Operations
  • FY25 Year-End Report of Major Construction Projects Completed — Jacob Careaga, Infrastructure Management Branch Chief

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

  • Took final action on approving MDC recommendations for permit price adjustments, including additional increases to nonresident deer and turkey hunting permits, a new nonresident migratory bird permit at a price of $60, and a new nonresident trout permit at a price of $24. The approved permit prices go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Gave final approval to regulation changes that increase the number of days that allow the use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The regulation change extends the use of these tools to 252 days from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, excluding the prescribed spring turkey hunting season.
  • Following public input and discussion, withdrew proposed trapping regulation changes related to the use of Conibears and snares in dry-land applications and instructed staff to continue to explore the topic based on public input, scientific research, and best management practices.
  • Approved the purchase of approximately 10 acres in Mississippi County as an addition to Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area.
  • Approved the disposal as a donation of a 30-acre tract known as Hyer Woods Conservation Area in Dent County via a deed transfer to the originating family of the tract.
  • Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1,931,120 board feet of timber located on 732 acres of Compartment 52, Rocky Creek Conservation Area in Shannon County, Missouri.
  • Approved items on the Consent Calendar.
  • Approved the suspension or revocation of one or more hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges of 17 individuals for cause or court ordered:
    • Willis L. Achord, Denham Springs (LA), Hunting, 3 Years;
    • Aliaksei Aliakhnovich, Newtown (PA), Fishing, 5 Years;
    • Matthew R. Brown, Gerald, Hunting/Fishing/Trapping, 1 Year;
    • Jeffery R. Green, Cherryville, Hunting, 2 Years;
    • Gavin M. Harris, Boliver, Hunting/Fishing, Add 5½ Years to Current Revocation;
    • Dylan C. Hicks, St. Louis, Fishing, 1 Year;
    • Kristopher L. Huskey, Hermitage, Hunting/Fishing/Trapping, 1 Year;
    • Mary B. Jones, Hermitage, Hunting/Fishing/Trapping, 1 Year;
    • Cody D. Lemery, Lebanon, Hunting, 2 Years;
    • Adam E. McKinney, Doniphan, Hunting/Fishing, 2 Years;
    • Brian L. Mills, North Bend (PA), Hunting, 1 Year;
    • Patrick W. Pritchett, Agency, Hunting/Fishing, 3 Years;
    • Ryan A. Schrader, Reeds, Hunting, 2 Years;
    • Micah J. Shrock, Halfway, Hunting, 1 Year;
    • Robert Silman, Barnhart, Hunting, 1 Year;
    • Ilya Tyrlia, Feasterville-Trevose (PA), Fishing, 5 Years; and
    • Matt Jennings, Woodland (AL), Hunting/Fishing/Trapping, Until 7/22/2030.
  • Set the next open meeting for Oct. 30.
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